10 OPM Songs That Make You Feel Like You Were Born In The Wrong Generation
From TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan’s “Palagi” to SunKissed Lola’s “Pasilyo,” these modern OPM songs channel the sounds of the past — perfect for anyone who feels like they belonged in a different music generation.
Art by Easel Manes
We’ve all had our phase — or perhaps we’re still in it — where we feel like our music taste is superior, that we listen to songs that don’t sound like what’s usually played on the radio these days or what’s charting and popular. Some would say they were born in the wrong generation, as they listen to songs from decades past, enjoying artists like The Beatles, The Smiths, ABBA, or whatever niche band and artist they can find.
Music has the power to transport us to eras we never lived through, or to moments we wish we could have experienced. Whether it’s the powerful lyrics or melodies that bring back the feels of Sunday afternoon drives or quiet late-night study sessions with the radio playing in the background, certain songs can feel timeless and stand the test of time.
Today’s OPM artists and bands are capturing that feeling, and even in modern times, songs with a nostalgic sound still stand out. Through soulful storytelling and vintage-inspired production, there’s no better way to push the local music industry forward by honoring the past, while still resonating deeply with a new generation.
From Earl Agustin’s chart-topping hit “Tibok” to shirebound’s rediscovered favorite “Waltz of Four Left Feet,” Billboard Philippines rounds up ten OPM songs that might just make you feel like you were born in the wrong generation.
“Tibok” – Earl Agustin
Earl Agustin burst onto the scene with a retro flair deeply inspired by the Manila Sound and OPM icons like VST & Company and the APO Hiking Society, blended seamlessly with the modern polish of Silk Sonic. His track “Tibok,” originally released in 2023, found its audience when it was featured in the hit Viva One teen rom-com series Ang Mutya ng Section E, catapulting the song to the top of the charts. Many listeners resonated with its timeless lyrics about yearning, the painful experience of ghosting, longing, and bittersweet heartache.
“Palagi” – TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan
Nothing beats a power couple in music. TJ Monterde teamed up with his wife, KZ Tandingan, for a duet version of “Palagi,” which, well, speaks for itself. More than just a love song, it’s a heartfelt promise of a home built for two, one they’ll always return to. With its simple production that sounds reminiscent of teleserye theme songs of yesteryear, “Palagi” becomes a modern romantic anthem. The couple‘s contrasting but complementary vocals create a beautiful harmony that makes the song feel personal and relatable. It’s sort of a love letter, one that can resonate with many across generations.
“Pasilyo” – SunKissed Lola
By paying homage to the kundiman-style waltz while blending in modern jazz-rock elements, “Pasilyo” by SunKissed Lola captures the feeling of finding a love that feels certain in a world full of uncertainties. The song moves like a beautiful wedding, one that flashes back to everything, from the highs and lows of a couple’s journey, while opening a door to forever. The most-streamed song in the Philippines in 2023, “Pasilyo” has become an anthem of unwavering devotion, with the refrain “ikaw at ikaw” (you and only you) resonating with listeners. Whether you’re an old school lover trapped in a Gen Z’s body, a track like this more than earns its place on this list.
“Autumn” – Ben&Ben
When you think of Ben&Ben, you expect heartfelt storytelling, folk-inspired production, and amazing vocals from the twins. “Autumn” is no exception. The ballad draws listeners into the emotional trials and tribulations of long-distance love, evoking a time when the world wasn’t as connected as it is today. The track amplifies the weight of longing and physical separation, while showcasing the group’s musical growth in the process. “Autumn” feels both intimate and grand with its small gestures, reminding us that love can grow even in hard times.
“Panahon” – HEY JUNE!
HEY JUNE! may be familiar for their viral TikTok hit “LASIK,” but “Panahon” is one of their earlier tracks that explores the ache of wanting to turn back time. The line “Kailan ba mauulit ang panahon nating dal’wa?” (When will our time together happen again?) captures the deeply relatable feeling of longing for what once was. When we fall in love and realize that time moves on, all we’re left with is the memory. From talking about Stik-O’s as pretend cigarettes during childhood to reminiscing young love, the song captures a time of innocence that we often wish we could go back to, even just for a moment.
“Kasing Kasing” – juan karlos feat. Kyle Echarri
A full-fledged Cebuano/Bisaya ballad, the pairing of real-life broskis Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri delivers a heartbreaking piece that blends soul with soothing melodies. “Kasing-Kasing” sounds like a timeless hit from a different generation, the kind you’d hear playing on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Sung in a regional language, it still packs a powerful emotional punch, thanks to the heartfelt delivery from two of their generation’s most promising voices.
“Orasa” – Dilaw
“Orasa,” which translates to “hourglass,” by Baguio-based rock band Dilaw, explores the concept of time and love slowly slipping away. The song’s steady rhythm, both catchy and chant-like, draws listeners in and invites them to sing along. There’s a nostalgic quality to it that blends perfectly with its lyrics and production, making it feel like a track from a different time. More than just a follow-up to their breakout hit “Uhaw,” “Orasa” proves they are not just a one-hit wonder.
“Unang Kagat” – BLASTER
BLASTER’s sophomore album, Last Fool Show, is full of gems, and “Unang Kagat” is one of its standout tracks. The album marks a clear departure from the cosmic and glam-infused sound of his debut, My Kosmik Island Disk. As the album’s opener, “Unang Kagat” immediately transports listeners back into the disco era while topping it off with a modern production. Much like most of his solo work, the IV of Spades member isn’t afraid to draw from the music that inspires him and shape it into something uniquely his own. As a bonus, you can almost imagine this track as the theme song of a 1970s or 80s anime.
“Waltz of Four Left Feet” – shirebound
Finding renewed interest thanks to TikTok, shirebound’s “Waltz of Four Left Feet” has captured a new generation of listeners with its gentle, acoustic charm. There’s a tender feeling that makes you feel like the main character in a coming-of-age film set a couple of decades ago. The song’s poetic storytelling beautifully captures the innocence of young love, along with the simple and mundane moments in life. But more than that, the track feels like a home, perhaps not a home we’ve actually known, but one we’ve longed for.
“Lihim” – Arthur Miguel
Last but definitely not the least is Arthur Miguel‘s “Lihim,” a modern OPM ballad that speaks to the universal heartbreak of words left unspoken. While the concept of “situationships” may feel new, the confusion that come with undefined love have existed for generations. “Lihim“ captures that emotional gray area. The track’s timeless quality and could fit in any era or decade of OPM.